In 2023, the Police in Sussex started investigating cases of preventable injury and death following care provided by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust. The BBC has recently learned that the number of cases is now more than 200.
The investigation started with 105 cases between 2015 and 2021 in general surgery and neurosurgery after police received information from whistle blowers. Concerns have been raised about management of brain haemorrhage, delay in diagnosis of brain tumours, surgical mistakes, and treatment of cancer.
The University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust is one of the largest organisations in the UK. It was once considered to be one of the best NHS Trusts in England, but it now has the longest list of patients who have been waiting more than 18 months for treatment. This is 3 times longer than in some other areas.
Families involved in the investigation want swift action, so that no one else experiences the harm that they have faced. However, the cases are taking a long time to investigate, and many have been referred to medical experts for opinions.
Upper gastrointestinal cancer services at the Trust were suspended following an unannounced Care Quality Commission inspection in 2022, which found “serious safety and leadership concerns”. The services have not been restarted, and so patients must travel outside of their local area for treatment.
Gemma Lewis, Partner and Specialist Medical Negligence Solicitor from MDS, said "It is worrying to see that the numbers of cases being investigated by University Hospitals Sussex NHS Trust are increasing, but this is a familiar picture when investigations commence. We hope that the Trust listens to families’ concerns and that improvements are made to increase patient safety”.
MDS is a specialist medical negligence law firm. We specialise in claims involving cancer, maternity, and cauda equina syndrome. Our expert solicitors represent clients all around England and Wales, and we are dedicated to helping people who have been injured by medical negligence.
If you are concerned about any care that you or a member of your family has received, please contact our experienced team on 0116 254 7456 or email: enquiries@moosaduke.com. You can also enquire online by clicking here.
